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SINGAPORE: Some S$2.5 million have been spent over the past year to prepare a group of 16 sailors for the Olympics, out of which, six will be representing Singapore at the upcoming Beijing Games.
But the Singapore Sailing Federation feels it is money well spent as the sailors will also be preparing for the upcoming London 2012 Games.
Meanwhile, the sailors have recently spent 10 days in Qingdao, where the Olympic sailing event will be held. Apart from getting familiar with the waters and weather, the Singaporeans have other factors on their side.
Koh Seng Leong, who will be taking part in the Laser Standard event, said: "We are more used to the culture and food. And of course, we speak Mandarin, which is an advantage because we can ask (for) what we want and we can be a lot more comfortable. I guess the rest of the countries have a disadvantage."
This is Singapore's largest sailing contingent to the Olympics. Better still, four qualified on their own merit, except the 470 women's pair, who got in through the unused quota.
Toh Li Ying, who will be competing in the 470 Women's event, said: "We worked very hard the whole of last year and before that, I deferred my studies. We just missed out by a little bit, so to be given this second chance, we are going to work very hard."
The sailors leave for Qingdao on Thursday for their event, which starts on August 9. - CNA/vm
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